Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172N, registered G-BRAK, manufactured in 1980 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D2J piston engine. The private flight was crewed by a 43-year-old pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 108 total flying hours (13 on type) and one passenger. The flight originated from Kemble airfield with a destination of Lands End airfield in Cornwall.
Narrative of Events
During the flight, as the aircraft approached Hartland Point, the pilot decided to make a short stop at Bodmin airfield. Poor radio reception with St Mawgan ATC led the pilot to switch to Bodmin Radio, which also deteriorated, causing difficulty locating the airfield. The Distress and Diversion cell provided a bearing and distance, enabling the pilot to find Bodmin. After an unsatisfactory first approach, the pilot performed a go-around and landed on the second approach.
Upon landing, the pilot visited the tower to book in and out for the onward flight to Lands End. The pilot was informed that the extended threshold of Runway 32 was boggy and was advised to start the take-off run adjacent to the marker board. Additionally, the left side of the grass runway was reported to be firmer than the right.
The pilot decided not to select flap for take-off, believing adequate distance was available. After satisfactory power checks, full power was applied against the brakes and the take-off roll commenced. The aircraft accelerated very slowly; at the runway intersection, airspeed remained below 40 kt, prompting the pilot to abort the take-off. The throttle was closed and brakes applied, but the aircraft could not be stopped. The pilot reported that the aircraft began to skid, departed the left side of the runway, and did not respond to braking inputs. A Mayday distress call was transmitted, and the pilot attempted to steer back to the right, cautious not to overstress the nose landing gear. At low speed, the propeller struck a hedge, after which the engine was shut down and the aircraft vacated via the normal exit. The airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service attended immediately.
Damage and Aftermath
Damage comprised a bent propeller, a damaged front wheel spat, and a damaged rear spar of the port wing. No injuries were reported among the crew or passenger. The pilot attributed the lack of acceleration and poor braking to the wet grass runway surface. The CAA General Aviation Safety Sense leaflet 7B, 'Aeroplane Performance', provides information on operations from poor surfaces such as long or wet grass.